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Appliance Repair Safety: What Do-It-Yourselfers Need to Know

Repairing your own appliances can be a cost-effective solution to malfunctions. But for your safety, make sure you take the necessary precautions!

Fixing your own appliances when they break down can be a great way to save money–but only if you do it right! One of the biggest concerns with DIY appliance repair is safety, so before you dive headfirst into that washer repair or fridge malfunction, make sure that you’re taking all necessary precautions to protect yourself, your appliance, and your home.

Unplug It!
All appliances use electricity, even gas appliances, so make sure that you unplug the power source BEFORE you start working on the appliance. For projects like gas dryer repair, also make certain the gas line is completely shut off to prevent potentially deadly gas leaks.

Don’t Go It Alone
Unless you’re a trained appliance repair technician, you probably can’t just look at a faulty dishwasher or malfunctioning fridge and know exactly what the problem is. So why try to go it alone? There are myriad resources, from your appliance’s owner’s manual to online forums, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides, so use these materials to help guide you through both the diagnostic and repair stages.

Safety Equipment
As with any (and all) home improvement and repair projects, you’ll need appropriate safety gear for your appliance repair job. Safety glasses are a must, as are work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges. You’ll also want an electrical multimeter tool. This handy gadget allows you to safely confirm that no power is flowing through a particular connection, a crucial step to avoid electrical shocks and electrocution when working with any type of electric appliance or wiring.

Remember, if you begin an appliance repair and end up getting stuck, it’s likely that you’ll actually end up paying more than if you had called the appliance repairman from the get-go. This is because the repair technician will probably have a harder time with diagnostics once you’ve tinkered with the appliance, and in cases where the machine is partially dismantled, the pro might even have to put it back together again to troubleshoot the appliance. As a result, it’s important to only attempt an appliance repair, large or small, if you’re fully confident you can resolve the problem not only safely, but also completely.

Do-it-yourself appliance repairs can be a cost-effective solution when your fridge, dishwasher, or other appliance starts acting up. However, in order to maximize your savings–and your success–make sure you’re smart about both safety and your own skill level. If you approach the dishwasher repair, oven repair, or other project right, you’ll be able to get that trusty old appliance back to running smoothly once again.